Swivel

ABSTRACT

A tubing end-piece interconnects a free end of a piece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid can flow between the tubing and the fitting or connector. The tubing end-piece includes a body member extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extending longitudinally therethrough. The body member has an elongated body portion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shaped tail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in a shape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a second end. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end of said body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surface commencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheral edge which defines a first opening into the bore. A frustoconically-shaped tail portion is connected to the second end of the body portion and tapers from the second end and towards a second opening into the bore. The body member has an inner first surface and an inner second surface defining the bore and has a plurality of splines which are spaced apart from one another and extend longitudinally along and outwardly from the outer body surface. The present invention also includes a connector adapted to interconnect a pair of tubing end-pieces so that the fluid can flow between and through the respective pieces of tubing and the pair of tubing connectors, and present a connection which resists snagging when trailed from a portable or fixed source of oxygen gas to an ambulatory patient.

This is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 08/485,881, filedJun. 7, 1995; now abandoned, which is a continuation-in-part applicationof Ser. No. 08/395,984, filed Feb. 28, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No.5,573,280.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tubing end-piece for use to connecttubing together. More particularly, the present invention is directed toa tubing end-piece body adapted to finish the end of a tubing so that itcan be connected to tubing connectors. In turn, the connected tubing,end-piece and tubing connector will provide fluid tight communicationfor fluid flow therethrough.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Although numerous ways are employed to connect tubing together, or toconnect tubing to apparatus fittings and the like, it is conventional toprovide the tubing with an elastomeric end-piece. Most typically, theend-piece is adhesively affixed to one of the free ends of the tubing.

Tubing fabricated from a stiff yet pliable material such aspolyvinylchloride plastic is used extensively in the health careindustry. Such tubing is used to convey oxygen from a portable oxygensource to ambulatory patients who suffer from respiratory illnesses orto convey intravenous solutions from containers and into patients forvarious medical reasons. Prior art tubing end-pieces and connectors areadequate to connect together two pieces of tubing in a fluid tightconnection. Unfortunately, with ambulatory patients, these tubingend-pieces can become caught with furniture, under doors or in otherplaces when a patient moves from one place to another. When this occurs,the ambulatory patient might cause one of the free ends of the tubing todisengage from any device to which the tubing may previously beconnected to or catch and cause patient discomfort.

Typically, the prior art tubing end-pieces were fabricated from a stiffyet resilient material and included a body member having an elongatedcylindrically-shaped body portion and a cylindrically-shaped headportion with a diameter larger than the body portion. Thesecylindrically-shaped portions of the tubing end-piece contributed to theproblem of catching on furniture, under doors or in other items. Acylindrically-shaped bore extends longitudinally through both the bodyportion and the head portion. The head portion is used to assist inurging the tubing connector into engagement with a fitting. Although itis helpful to twist the prior art tubing end-piece while urging it intoengagement with the fitting, gripping the tubing connector to obtainsufficient twisting force may cause the body portion to collapse. Thus,twisting a prior art tubing end-piece may have to be done carefully whenattempting to engage a fitting because the fitting is cylindrical whilethe collapsed body portion may deform the cylindrically-shaped bore intoan oval shape.

A need, therefore, exists to provide a tubing end-piece that isconfigured in a manner to avoid becoming caught with furniture, underdoors or with other items while being moved by the patient. There isanother need to provide an improved tubing end-piece so that is can betwisted while being connected to a fitting. There is likewise a need fora rigid tubing connector to releasably connect two tubing end-piecestogether in the fluid tight relationship.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and usefultubing end-piece and combination of end-piece and connector combinedwhich are configured in a manner to reduce the possibility of becomingcaught with furniture, under doors or on other items.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a tubingend-piece and end-piece connector wherein the end-piece is sufficientlyrigid and configured in a manner so that when urging the tubingend-piece onto a relatively rigid tubing connector or a fitting the boreof the end-piece resists substantial deformation.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tubingconnector with enhanced gripping characteristics so that the tubingend-piece can be easily gripped when twisting onto or off of a free endof the tubing connector or a fitting.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tubingend-piece and connector that is effective in use and simple andinexpensive to manufacture.

These and other objects of the present invention will become morereadily appreciated and understood from consideration of the followingdetailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the tubing end-piece and connector of the present inventionis described which is adapted to interconnect a first free end of afirst piece of tubing and a second free end of a second piece of tubingso that a fluid can flow through the first and second pieces of thetubing when interconnected by the use of plural end-pieces and aconnector. The tubing end-piece of the present invention includes a bodymember extending along a longitudinal axis with a bore extendinglongitudinally therethrough. The body member includes an elongated bodyportion, a doughnut-shaped head portion and a frustoconically-shapedtail portion. The body portion has an outer body surface configured in ashape of a frustum that tapers from a first end and towards a secondend. The doughnut-shaped head portion is connected to the first end ofsaid body portion and extends radially outwardly relative to thelongitudinal axis to form in cross-section an outer curved surfacecommencing from the first end and terminating in an outer peripheraledge which defines a first opening into the bore. The first opening issized and adapted to slidably removably receive and retain the tubingconnector described herein, and the second opening is sized topermanently receive the free end of a piece of tubing in a close-fittingrelationship. A frustoconically-shaped tail portion is connected to thesecond end of the body portion and tapers from the second end andtowards a second opening into the bore. The second opening is sized andadapted to slidably receive and retain in a close-fitting relationship afree end of a piece of tubing or a tubing fitting or tubing connector,all of which hereinafter will be referred to as tubing.

The body member includes an inner first surface and an inner secondsurface defining the bore. The inner first surface is disposed centrallyabout the longitudinal axis and forms a frustoconically-shaped firstbore region converging inwardly from the first opening and through thehead portion. The inner second surface is disposed centrally about thelongitudinal axis and forms a frustoconically-shaped second bore regionconverging inwardly from the second opening and through the tail portionand the body portion. A ridge element is connected to and extendscircumferentially about the inner second surface and is disposedsubstantially midway between the first and second openings. A pluralityof splines are spaced apart from one another and extend longitudinallyalong the outer body surface of the body portion. Each of the splinesare connected to the outer body surface of the body portion and thecurved surface of the head portion. The body member is fabricated ofunitary construction and from a stiff yet resilient material. The stiffyet resilient material is selected from a group consisting of rubber andplastic and, most preferably, polyvinylchloride. It is preferred thatthe stiff yet pliable material is transparent or translucent.

Also, a connector is described which is used in combination with a pairof tubing end-pieces described herein with each end-piece beingconnected to a respective free end of a piece of tubing. The connectoris adapted to interconnect or couple the pair of tubing end-pieces sothat the fluid can flow between and through the respective pieces oftubing. The connector for coupling the end-pieces includes a bodystructure and a pair of tube structures. The body structure extendsalong a longitudinal axis from a first end to a second end and has ahole extending longitudinally therethrough and between the first andsecond ends. The hole is oriented centrally about the longitudinal axis.The body structure also has an outer body surface which extendslongitudinally along and is disposed radially from the longitudinal axisat a first radial distance.

Each of the tube structures defines a conduit extending therethrough andhas a distal end and a proximal end. Each of said tube structures isconnected to a respective one of the first and second ends of the bodystructure at the proximal end in a manner whereby the conduit isoriented centrally about the longitudinal axis. The conduits and thehole form a continuous passageway between the distal ends of the pair oftube structures and through the pair of tube structures and the bodystructure. Each of the tube structures has an outer tube surfaceextending longitudinally along and radially from the longitudinal axisat a second radial distance. The first radial distance is greater thanthe second radial distance.

The body structure is generally cylindrically shaped and includes a pairof conical end portions. Each of the conical end portions tapers fromthe outer body surface towards a respective one of the first and secondends. The outer body surface also includes a plurality of ridges whichextend longitudinally therealong and project radially outwardlytherefrom. Each of the ridges is configured in cross-section in a shapeof an inverted "V" and consecutive ones of the plurality of invertedV-shaped ridges are spaced apart from one another by a V-shaped channelwhich extends longitudinally along the outer body surface. Preferably,the body structure and the pair of tube structures are of unitaryconstruction. It is also preferred that the body structure as well asthe pair of tube structures are fabricated from a stiffer material thanthe end-pieces.

Each of the tube structures includes a plurality of collars that connectto and extend circumferentially about and radially outwardly from theouter tube surface. The plurality of collars are spaced apart from oneanother to define an annularly-shaped channel disposed betweenconsecutive ones of the collars. Each of the tube structures alsoincludes a frustoconically-shaped head member which is disposed on andextends circumferentially about the outer tube surface. The head membercommences at the distal end and diverges outwardly toward the bodystructure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a tubingend-piece of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the tubing end-piece ofthe present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of the tubing end-piece ofthe present invention taken along line 3--3 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of a head portion of the tubingconnector of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first exemplary embodiment of aconnector according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view in elevation of the first exemplary embodiment ofthe connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 5 with a pair oftubing end-pieces and a pair of free ends of tubing with each beingdisconnected from one another;

FIG. 7 is a front view and a rear view in elevation of the firstexemplary embodiment of the connector of the present invention shown inFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a side view in cross section of the first exemplary embodimentof the connector of the present invention taken along line 8--8 in FIG.7 and illustrated interconnecting the pair of tubing end-pieces, drawnin phantom, connected to respective ones of the free ends of,the tubing,also drawn in phantom, of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a second exemplary embodiment of theconnector of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view in elevation of the second exemplary embodimentof the connector of the present invention shown in FIG. 9 with a pair oftubing end-pieces and a pair of free ends of tubing with each beingdisconnected from one another;

FIG. 11 is a front view and a rear view in elevation of the secondexemplary embodiment of the connector of the present invention shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a side view in cross section of the second exemplaryembodiment of the connector of the present invention taken along line12--12 in FIG. 11 and illustrated interconnecting the pair of tubingend-pieces, drawn in phantom, connected to respective ones of the freeends of the tubing, also drawn in phantom, of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a third exemplary embodimentof the connector of the present invention showing a first body memberpiece and a second body member piece which are releasably and rotatablyconnected to one another;

FIG. 14 is a side view in cross-section of the third exemplaryembodiment of the connector of the present invention illustrating theinterconnection between the first and second body member pieces with aseal element disposed therewith;

FIG. 15 is a side view in cross-section taken along line 15--15 in FIG.14;

FIG. 16 is a side view in cross-section taken along line 16--16 of FIG.14;

FIG. 17 is a side view in cross-section of the third exemplaryembodiment of the connector showing an alternate means of releasablyconnecting the first and second body member pieces together;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged partial side view in cross-section illustrating aseal element disposed between a tube stem of the first body member pieceand a tube stem bore formed into the second body member piece;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of theconnector of the present invention and a splitter adapter for releasablyconnecting thereto;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of a fifth exemplary embodiment ofthe connector of the present invention-showing two pairs of stepped-downcollars;

FIG. 21 is a side elevation of one embodiment of a swivel connectoraccording to the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the swivel of FIG. 21.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

A tubing end-piece of the present invention is adapted to interconnectand provide a fluid tight connection between two pieces of tubing or apiece of tubing and a tubing connector or fitting so that a fluid canflow through the pieces of the interconnected tubing or to a fitting. Itcan be appreciated that the tubing described herein can be made frommaterials which produce a stiff yet resilient flexible tubing such astransparent or translucent tubing used in health care applications orrigid tubing fabricated from metal. The tubing can also be end portionsof tubing projecting from fitting assemblies such as valves operablyconnected to tanks or other equipment. Furthermore, the stiff yetresilient tubing or the rigid tubing could be either removablyforce-fitted into the tubing connector of the present invention orpermanently affixed to the tubing end-pieces described herein. Onecommon arrangement is found in the health care industry where anambulatory patient pulls or carries an oxygen concentrator or supplytank of gas or liquefied gas. Here, the first free end of a piece oftubing fabricated from a stiff yet resilient material is permanentlyaffixed to one end of the tubing connector by an adhesive and a secondpiece of tubing fabricated from a metal which projects from a valvefitting assembly on the oxygen concentrator is removably connected tothe tubing end-piece at an opposite end. This arrangement affords thepatient to simply and easily remove or connect the tubing connector fromthe oxygen concentrator when desired, which is commonly referred to inthe industry as a "quick disconnect".

A tubing end-piece 10 of the present invention is generally introducedin FIGS. 1-4. In FIG. 1, tubing end-piece 10 receives free end 12 of apiece of tubing 14. Tubing connector 10 includes a body member 20 whichextends along a longitudinal axis "A" with a bore 22 extendinglongitudinally therethrough. Body member 20 includes an elongated bodyportion 24 having an outer body surface 26 configured in a shape of afrustum tapering from a first end 28 and towards a second end 30. Adoughnut-shaped head portion 32 is connected to first end 28 of bodyportion 24 and extends radially outwardly relative to longitudinal axis"A" to form in cross-section an outer curved surface 34 commencing fromfirst end 28 and terminating in an outer peripheral edge 36. Outerperipheral edge 36 defines a first opening 38 into bore 22. Firstopening 38 is sized and adapted to slidably receive and retain a freeend 12 of piece of tubing 14 in a close-fitting relationship. The firstopening 38 should be sized and adapted to slidably receive and retainone tubular end of the connector shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 10. Afrustoconically-shaped tail portion 40 (FIG. 2) is connected to secondend 30 of body portion 24 and tapers from second end 30 and towards asecond opening 42 into bore 22. Second opening 42 is sized and adaptedto slidably receive and permanently retain a free end 16 of piece oftubing 18 in a close-fitting relationship.

Body member 20 includes an inner first surface 44 and an inner secondsurface 46 which define bore 22. Inner first surface 44 is disposedcentrally about longitudinal axis "A" and forms a frustoconically-shapedfirst bore region 48 which converges inwardly from first opening 38 andthrough head portion 32. Inner second surface 46 is disposed centrallyabout longitudinal axis "A" and forms a frustoconically-shaped secondbore region 50 which converges inwardly from second opening 42 andthrough tail portion 40 and body portion 24.

Tubing end-piece 10 also includes a ridge element 52 which is connectedto and extends circumferentially about inner second surface 46. Ridgeelement 52 is disposed substantially midway between first and secondopenings 38 and 42, respectively. Ridge element 52 acts as a stop toprevent the free end of the tubing from advancing therebeyond wheninserted into the bore.

Tubing end-piece 10 further includes a plurality of splines 54 which arespaced apart from one another and extend longitudinally along outer bodysurface 26 of body portion 24. Each of splines 54 is connected to outerbody surface 26 of body portion 24 and outer curved surface 34 of saidhead portion 32. Splines 54 add rigidity to tubing connector 10 and alsoprovide additional frictional characteristics thus allowing twisting oftubing connector 10 when engaging a free end of tubing.

Although not by way of limitation, it is preferred that body member 20is fabricated of unitary construction. Again, not by way of limitation,flexible body member 20 is fabricated from a stiff yet resilientmaterial selected from a group consisting of various rubber or plasticcompositions. It is further preferred that the stiff yet resilientmaterial is transparent or translucent. Having a tubing end-piecefabricated from a transparent or translucent material enables a user tovisually determine that, when engaging free ends of tubing with tubingend-piece 10, the free ends are appropriately inserted into the bore andin abutment with the ridge element.

Both the body portion and the tail portion of the tubing end-piece ofthe present invention are configured to taper. The head portion of thetubing end-piece has a doughnut-shaped configuration. Theseconfigurations of the tubing end-piece enable it to avoid becomingcaught with furniture, under doors and in other items. With the splines,the tubing end-piece is sufficiently rigid so that when urging thetubing end-piece onto a tubing connector or a fitting, the bore resistsdeformation. Thus, the tubing end-piece of the present invention iseasier to install onto the free end of a tubing connection or a valvefitting. Furthermore, the tubing end-piece of the present invention hasenhanced gripping characteristics because of the splines. Now, thetubing connector can be more easily gripped so that it can be twistedonto or off of a free end of a tubing connector. Lastly, a skilledartisan would appreciate that the tubing end-piece of the presentinvention is effective in use and simple and inexpensive to manufacture.

A first exemplary embodiment of the connector 210 of the presentinvention is generally introduced in FIGS. 5-8. Connector 210 is used incombination with a pair of tubing end-pieces 10 such as ones describedhereinabove or some other type tubing end-pieces of similarconstruction. By way of example only, the description of the exemplaryembodiments of connector 210 shall be explained by incorporating tubingend-piece 10 of the present invention as heretofore described. Eachtubing end-piece 10 is connected to the free end 16 of tubing 18 and hasfirst opening 38 into bore 22 wherein the fluid (shown as arrows in FIG.8) can flow through respective ones of tubing end-piece 10 and aconnector or tubing 18. Connector 210 is adapted to interconnect thepair of tubing end-pieces 10 so that the fluid can flow between andthrough the respective pieces of tubing 14 and 18 (see FIG. 6).Connector 210 includes a body structure 212 and a pair of tubestructures 214.

Body structure 212 extends along a longitudinal axis "A'" from a firstend 216 to a second end 218. As best shown in FIG. 8, body structure 211has a hole 220 extending longitudinally therethrough and between firstend 216 and second end 218. Hole 220 is oriented centrally aboutlongitudinal axis "A'". As best shown in FIGS. 5-7, body structure 212has an outer body surface 222 which extends longitudinally along anddisposed radially from longitudinal axis "A'" at a first radial distance"R₁ ".

As best shown in FIG. 8, each of tube structures 214 defines a conduit224 which extends therethrough and each of tube structures 214 has adistal end 226 and a proximal end 228. Each of tube structures 214 isconnected to a respective one of first and second ends 216 and 218 ofbody structure 212 at proximal end 228. When connected, each conduit 224is oriented centrally about longitudinal axis "A'" so that conduits 224and hole 220 form a continuous passageway 230 between distal ends 226 ofthe pair of tube structures 214 and through the pair of tube structures214 and body structure 212. Each of tube structures 214 has an outertube surface 232 which extends longitudinally along and radially fromlongitudinal axis "A'" at a second radial distance "R₂ " as best shownin FIG. 8. To facilitate the ease of connecting or disconnectingconnector 210 to the pair of tubing end-pieces 10, first radial distance"R₁ " is greater than second radial distance "R₂ " at least by a factorof 1.5, i.e., 1.5 times "R₂ ".

Body structure 212 is generally cylindrically shaped. Both bodystructure 212 and the pair of tube structures 214 are preferablyfabricated of unitary construction. Also, body structure 212 and thepair of tube structures 214 are preferably fabricated from a stiffmaterial such as plastic, fiberglass, wood or metal. Body structure 212includes a pair of conical end portions 234. Each of conical endportions 234 tapers from outer body surface 222 towards a respective oneof first and second ends 216 and 218. Body structure 212 includes aplurality of ridges 236 extending longitudinally along and projectingradially outwardly from outer body surface 222 relative to longitudinalaxis "A'". Each of ridges 236 is configured in cross-section in a shapeof an inverted "V" as best shown in FIG. 7.

Each of tube structures 214 includes a plurality of collars 238 whichare connected to and extend circumferentially about and radiallyoutwardly from outer tube surface 232. The plurality of collars 238 arespaced apart from one another to define an annularly-shaped channel 240,as best shown in FIG. 5, which is disposed between consecutive ones ofcollars 238. Each of said tube structures 214 also includes afrustoconically-shaped head member 242 which is disposed on and extendscircumferentially about outer tube surface 232. Head member 242commences at distal end 226 and diverges outwardly toward body structure212. It is to be appreciated that each of the pair of tube structures214 is operative to be removably inserted through first opening 38 andinto bore 22 of a respective one of tubing end-pieces 10 so thatconnector 210 engages both of the tubing connectors 10 in a closelyfitting relationship (as shown in FIG. 8) thereby enabling the fluid toflow between and through the respective pieces of tubing 14 and 18, aswell as presenting a smooth nearly continuous exterior surface whichresists snagging in use.

A second exemplary embodiment of a connector 310 of the presentinvention is generally introduced in FIGS. 9-12. Features and benefitsof this second exemplary embodiment of the connector 310 aresubstantially similar to those of the first exemplary embodiment. Theonly difference resides in a configuration of a plurality of ridges 338.Connector 310 includes a body structure 312 and a pair of tubestructures 314. Outer body surface 322 is represented by a plurality oflines as shown in FIGS. 9-11. Each of ridges 338 is configured incross-section in a shape of an inverted "V", as best shown in FIG. 11,and consecutive ones of the plurality of inverted V-shaped ridges 338are spaced apart from one another by a V-shaped channel 339 whichextends longitudinally along body structure 312.

A third exemplary embodiment of a connector 410 is introduced in FIGS.13-16. Connector 410 is similar to the connectors hereinabove describedexcept that the body structure includes a first body member piece 446and a second body member piece 448. First body member piece 446 andsecond body member piece 448 are releasably interconnected with oneanother and are operative to rotate about longitudinal axis "A'"relative to each other. One of first and second body member pieces 446and 448 includes a tube stem 450 extending longitudinally and projectingoutwardly therefrom in a direction opposite of a respective one of tubestructures 214, as best shown in FIG. 13. Tube stem 450 has a tube stemconduit 452 extending therethrough and is disposed centrally aboutlongitudinal axis "A'". A remaining one of first and second body memberpieces 446 and 448 includes a tube stem bore 454 which is formedlongitudinally thereinto along longitudinal axis "A'" and is sized andadapted to slidably and rotatably receive tube stem 450. Tube stem bore454 extends partially through the remaining one of first and second bodymembers 446 and 448 and disposed centrally about longitudinal axis "A'".By way of example only for the third embodiment of connector 410, firstbody member piece 446 has been selected to include tube stem 450 andsecond body member piece 448 has been selected to include tube stem bore454 although a skilled artisan would appreciate that second body memberpiece 448 could have been selected to include tube stem 450 while firstbody member piece 446 would then include tube stem bore 454.

As best shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, tube stem 450 has a proximalcylindrical end portion 456, an intermediate conical portion 458 and adistal frustoconical nose portion 460. Tube stem bore 454 is a step-downbore which accommodates tube stem 450 for sliding and rotating thereinin a close-fitting relationship. Tube stem 450 includes a groove 462which extends circumferentially around proximal cylinder end portion456. As shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16, second body member piece 448,i.e., the remaining one of first and second body member pieces 446 and448, includes a cavity 464 which extends transversely to longitudinalaxis "A'" and from outer body surface 222 and in communication with tubestem bore 454.

Connector 410 of the third exemplary embodiment of the present inventionincludes a fastener 466 which is sized and adapted to be slidablyreceived by cavity 464 in a close-fitting relationship as shown in FIG.16. Fastener 466 is operative in conjunction with cavity 464 to engage aportion of groove 462 (FIGS. 14 and 16) so that first and second bodymembers 446 and 448 are rotatably interconnected with one another.Fastener 466 has a pair of arms 468 which are disposed parallel with oneanother and are connected together in a manner to form a U-shaped clipelement. Shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, each of arms 468 sized and adapted toengage a portion of groove 462 when fastener 466 is slidably received bycavity 464.

As shown in FIG. 17, first body member piece 446 and second body memberpiece 448 are rotatably connected together in an alternative manner.Cavity 464 includes a pair of fastener holes 472 which are disposedparallel to one another and transverse to and on opposite sides oflongitudinal axis "A'". Fastener 466 includes a pair of pins 474 whichare sized and adapted to engage respective ones of fastener holes 272 ina mating relationship.

With reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, connector 410 of the third exemplaryembodiment of the present invention also includes an annularly-shapedseal element 470. Seal element 470 is sized and adapted to be centrallypositioned within tube stem bore 454 so that it surrounds longitudinalaxis "A'" while being in contact with distal frustoconical nose portion460 of tube stem 450 when tube stem 450 is rotatably received into tubestem bore 454. Seal element 456 is a common O-ring fabricated from aresilient material such as rubber or any other convention type ofmaterial commonly used for sealing purposes of this type.

In FIG. 18, intermediate conical portion of tube stem 450 and distalfrustoconical nose portion 460 of tube stem 450 are joined together by acollar portion 476. In cross-section, collar portion 476 is formed witha radius "r" and is offset from an outer conical surface 478 a distance"d". Note that seal element 470 is nestled in an annular opening 480 andis in contact with an outer frustoconical surface 482 of distalfrustoconical nose portion 460 and inner peripheral wall 484 and aninner radial wall 486 which, in part, defines tube stem bore 454. Outerfrustoconical surface 482 tapers at an angle "a" relative tolongitudinal axis "A'", which is preferably 20 degrees. As a result ofnestling, seal element 470 provides adequate sealing of fluid flowingthrough continuous passageway 230 as long as the fluid flows underrelatively low pressure indicated by pressure "P". Under higherpressure, indicated by "P'", seal element 470 tends to be displaced awayfrom inner radial wall 486. However, simultaneously, seal element 470becomes increasingly wedged between inner peripheral wall 484 and outerfrustoconical surface 482 of distal frustoconical nose portion 460 asillustrated in phantom. As a result of wedging, with increased fluidpressure, the sealing characteristics of seal element 470 alsoincreases. A skilled artisan would appreciate that this feature can onlyoperate within a reasonable zone of high pressures and that excessivepressures can possibly result in catastrophic failure of the connectorof the present invention itself.

FIG. 19 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a connector 510 of thepresent invention of a type whereby first body member piece 446 andsecond body member piece 448 can rotate relative to each other. One oftube structures 214 has a straight end 512 which is sized and adapted toreceive a splitter adapter 514. Splitter adapter 514 includes a headmember 516 and a pair of tube members 518. Head member 516 has a headconduit 520 formed therein that extends longitudinally and centrallyabout longitudinal axis "A'" and is sized and adapted to slidablyreceive straight end portion 512 in a matable relationship. Each of thepair of tube members 518 has a tubing conduit 522 that merges into headconduit 520 so that fluid flowing from connector 510 and into splitteradapter 514 can be divided into two separate flowing fluids. Conversely,two separate flowing fluids flowing from each tubing conduit 522 mergeinto one flowing fluid at head member 516.

A fifth exemplary embodiment of a connector 610 is illustrated in FIG.20. Like the exemplary embodiments of the connector of the presentinvention described hereinabove, connector 610 includes a pair of tubestructures 614 with each having a plurality of collars 638. However,unlike the previously described exemplary embodiments of the connectorof the present invention, each plurality of collars 638 includes aprimary sealing collar 688 having a primary collar diameter "d_(p) " anda secondary sealing collar 690 having a secondary collar diameter "d_(s)". Primary sealing collar 688 and secondary sealing collar 690 arefacially opposed to one another as shown in FIG. 20 with primary collardiameter "d_(p) " being greater than secondary collar diameter "d_(s) ".Although not by way of limitation, respective ones of each of primarysealing collars 688 are positioned between respective ones of each ofsecondary sealing collars 690 and respective ones of first and secondends 216 and 218 of body structure 212.

Each of the plurality of collars 638 includes an inner-most collar 692.Each inner-most collar 692 is connected to a respective one of first andsecond ends 216 and 218 of body structure 212 and extends from proximalend 228 of tube structure 214 and toward distal end 226. Each ofinner-most collars 692 has an inner collar diameter "d_(i) ". Primarycollar diameter "d_(p) " is greater than inner-most collar diameter"d_(i) "; however, inner-most collar diameter "d_(i) " is greater thansecondary collar diameter "d_(s) ".

Further, each of the plurality of collars 638 includes an outer-mostcollar 694 having an outer collar diameter "d_(o) ". With respect to theother collar diameters, it is preferred that the secondary collardiameter "d_(s) " is greater than outer collar diameter "d_(o) ". Eachof outer-most collars 694 is integrally connected to and inboard of arespective one of head members 242 and is disposed between respectiveones of head members 242 and secondary sealing collars 690. A skilledartisan would appreciate that the broadest diameter of respective onesof head members 242 is equal to outer collar diameter "d_(o) ".

As mentioned hereinabove, the connector of the present inventionincludes conical end portions 234 that taper from outer body surface 222towards a respective one of first and second ends 216 and 218. Althoughnot by way of limitation, it is preferred that conical end portions 234taper from outer body surface 222 towards a respective one of first andsecond ends 216 and 218 at an acute angle of 45 degrees relative tolongitudinal axis "A".

In yet another embodiment, the swivel connector 701 shown in FIGS. 21and 22 is a two-piece swivel connector having a swivel body end 702 withthe increasing diameter spaced concentric rings 704 and 705, asdescribed herein, and a tubular extension 706 terminating in a flangedtip 707 of a greater diameter than the outside diameter of the tubularextension 706 at the position 710. The tubular extension 706 can becharacterized as beginning at the midpoint 720 of the overall length ofthe swivel connector 701 and having a diameter larger than the diameterat 710 for a length less than the length of one-half of the centersection 722 of the swivel connector 701. The space between the largerdiameter section 723 of the tubular extension 706 and the depth of thehole 725 in the center section 722 which is sized to receive the section725, is taken up with an O-ring 730 sized to provide a sliding fluidtight fit between the inner surface 726 of the hole 725, and smallerdiameter section 731 of the tubular extension 706. Preferably, theO-ring 730 is received in a recess 735 formed in the surface of thetubular extension 706 immediately adjacent the larger diameter section723. The swivel end 750 which contains center section 722 and tubingconnector shaft 751, is configured with concentric rings which are sizedidentically with the swivel body end 702. The exterior of swivel end 750is then in all respects except the end 755 abutting the flange 707identical in its exterior dimensions to the dimensions of swivel bodyend 702.

When assembled, swivel body end 702 and swivel end 750, which isreceived onto the tubular extension 706 in locking relationship withflange 707 can be used as a connector between two lengths of tubing fordelivering a fluid, preferably a gas, and most preferably oxygen, whichcan be rotated without leakage of the gas while still presenting anoutside configuration which can be easily gripped and twisted andcontaining sealing rings for fluid tight contact with tubing while beingeasily mounted therein and removed therefrom.

This embodiment, being of two-piece construction, is more easilymanufactured than more complicated swivel mechanisms. The inside bore ofswivel end 751 increases in diameter from the flange 707 of the tubularextension 706 to the O-ring 730 to provide ease of assembly but is sizedto permit the O-ring 730 to make a fluid tight seal for fluids includinggases that might be introduced at the flange 707 and the end 755 of theswivel end 751. The volume of annular space 760 then increases from theend 755 to the O-ring. The two parts can then be snapped together withthe O-ring 730 in place if the flange 707 and the diameter of the bore751 at the O-ring 730 are sized so that the flange is able to beinserted into the bore 750 and slid through the bore compressing enoughto emerge in a rotatable fit for the swivel end 751.

The tubing end-piece and the combination of the tubing end-piece andconnector provide numerous advantages and benefits. The tubing end-pieceand combination of end-piece and connector are configured in a manner toreduce the possibility of becoming caught with furniture, under doors oron other items. The tubing end-piece and end-piece connector have endsthat are sufficiently rigid and configured in a manner so that, whenurging the tubing end-piece onto a relatively rigid tubing connector ora fitting, the bore of the end-piece resists substantial deformation.The tubing end-piece as well as the connector have enhanced grippingcharacteristics so that each can be easily gripped when twisting onto oroff of each other or some other fitting. Both the tubing end-piece andthe connector are effective in use and simple and inexpensive tomanufacture.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degreeof particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated, though, that the present inventionis defined by the following claims construed in light of the prior artso that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplaryembodiments of the present invention without departing from theinventive concepts contained herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A swivel connector consisting of:a) a bodystructure extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end to asecond end and having a hole extending longitudinally through said bodystructure and between said first and second ends and being orientedcentrally about said longitudinal axis, said body structure having anouter body structure extending longitudinally along and radially fromsaid longitudinal axis at a first radial distance and said bodystructure includes a first body member piece having a bore and a secondbody member piece having a larger tapered bore, said first body memberpiece terminating at one end in a tube structure which is receivedwithin said second body member piece and extends beyond the end of saidsecond body member piece, said extension having a slightly largerdiameter than the smallest diameter of the bore of the second bodymember piece which receives the tube structure, and means for joiningsaid tube structure and extension so that said tube structure andextension are permanently received in rotational relationship with saidsecond body member piece and sealing means located between the tube ofthe first body member piece and the bore of the second body member pieceto prevent gases from leaking through the bore of the second body memberpiece, said sealing means including a shoulder formed by a largerdiameter untapered portion of the tube located in a complimentarydiameter bore of said second body member piece, said bore diameterextending sufficiently toward the tip of said structure to receive anO-ring seal, and said body members on said body structure including apair of conical end portions and a central body portion which includes aplurality of V-shaped ridges extending longitudinally along andprojecting radially outwardly from the central body portion relative tosaid longitudinal axis and wherein the space between said conical endportion and said central body portion contains a plurality of collarshaving annular-shaped channels there between.